Cephalometric Determination of the Occlusal Plane: A Report of Five Clinical Cases

Accurate determination of the occlusal plane (OP) is a key step in prosthetic rehabilitation. It serves as the foundation for functional and aesthetic dental reconstruction. In edentulous patients, the absence of occlusal references presents a major challenge, requiring reliable diagnostic tools. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the use of cephalometric measurements for determining the occlusal plane in edentulous patients, based on the results of a previous thesis. The goal is to assess the relevance and limitations of this method and to provide practical recommendations. Materials and Methods: A total of 5 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. For each patient, a lateral cephalogram was obtained after the fabrication of radiological guides using the flag technique. Cephalometric tracings were performed to identify the Camper, Frankfurt, and mandibular planes. The angular relationships between these planes and the proposed occlusal plane were analyzed and compared to the reference values from a 2021 study, particularly focusing on the POPC angle. Results: Among the cephalometric angles assessed, only the POPC angle demonstrated comparable values, with full concordance in 2 out of 5 cases (mean value: 10.75°), matching the previous study’s findings. Considerable variability was observed in the other angles. Conclusion: While cephalometric analysis provides a valuable framework for approximating the occlusal plane in edentulous patients, clinical validation remains essential. Given the inter-population variability observed, further research on a larger sample is necessary to establish reliable, reproducible references tailored to the Moroccan population.